3 Silent Sits Per Day Will Refresh You

My previous centering prayer schedule consisted of two-twenty minute sits per day.The first sit was as soon as I awoke in the morning.

The second sit was in the mid to late afternoon.If at work, I leave my desk at two or three in the afternoon and head to my car.Sit in the driver’s seat.Roll down the window.Sit for twenty minutes and then return to my work desk.

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I have decided to adjust my centering prayer schedule because work has become more challenging and overwhelming at times.I need God and I to better partner to get me through this busy time.

Here is where flexibility with my sit has come into play.

I still sit first thing in the morning after I awake.This sit is now thirteen minutes.

I now sit two more times in the work day.Instead of one, twenty-minute afternoon sit, I sit twice, thirteen minutes each time.My first sit is before lunch.My second sit is between three and four in the afternoon.

I have discovered that I need two afternoon sits.At the present time my reservoir seems to empty quicker.This means I need less time in between my previous sit, hence the need for a third sit.

I have just started this schedule so I will let you know how it goes.My initial reaction is it has proven quite helpful.It slows me down.It calms me.It allows me to be calmly productive with my daily tasks.

I have learned to trust the nudges and prompts of the Spirit.God has nudged me to adjust my sit schedule.I will remain open to The Spirit and readjust my sit schedule based upon the Sprit’s prompts.

My challenge to you is to do the same.Listen to the Spirit.

Adjust the times and frequencies of your silent sits so they better balance with the ebbs and flows of your life.

I will work with you to setup a program designed to meet your specific needs.

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David Frenette’s book The Path of Centering Prayer re-energized the Centering Prayer tradition with its fresh insights and teachings. This companion audio program—created to be equally rewarding as a stand-alone guide—gives listeners an immersive resource to learn contemplative prayer, step by step and in the moment. With clarity and compassionate presence, Frenette explains the essential principles of this contemplative practice for both new and seasoned practitioners, and then guides us experientially through core prayers and meditations.

The Contemplative Journey (Volume I) is Father Thomas Keating’s great masterwork: a complete curriculum devoted to a Christian path for achieving the still point of resting in God.

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The complete history, theory, and daily practice of Centering Prayer

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